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SB 1415

SB 1415 - Currently, under Article V of the Missouri Constitution, judges of the Supreme Court of Missouri and of the Court of Appeals and certain circuit and associate circuit judges are selected by gubernatorial appointment following nominations from the nonpartisan commissions while the remaining judges are elected. This act repeals provisions relating to the nonpartisan selection. This act is contingent upon the passage of a constitutional amendment that requires the appointment of all judges of the Supreme Court and of the Court of Appeals by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, and requires the election of all circuit and associate circuit judges. KATIE O'BRIEN

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rick Brattin

SB 1415 replaces Missouri's merit-based appellate judge selection with gubernatorial appointment plus Senate confirmation, while keeping circuit judges elected.

Second Read and Referred S General Laws Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 1415

Legislative bill overview

SB 1415 would fundamentally alter Missouri's judicial selection process by shifting appellate judge appointments from merit-based selection (Missouri Plan) to gubernatorial appointment with Senate confirmation, while maintaining elected positions for circuit and associate circuit judges. This represents a significant departure from Missouri's current system that has been in place since 1940.

Why is this important

Judicial selection methods directly affect which judges reach the bench and can influence how cases are decided. Moving appellate judges to gubernatorial appointment could increase partisan influence in higher courts, affecting decisions on everything from criminal sentencing to business regulations. This change would reverse nearly 86 years of Missouri's established merit-selection process.

Potential points of contention

  • Partisan concerns: Gubernatorial appointment may increase political influence over appellate decisions, as governors can select judges aligned with their ideology
  • Merit vs. politics trade-off: Critics argue this weakens judicial independence compared to merit selection; supporters contend gubernatorial accountability is preferable to retention elections
  • Inconsistent system: Creating different selection methods for appellate judges (appointed) versus circuit judges (elected) may create confusion and unequal incentive structures across judicial levels
  • Senate confirmation burden: Confirmation requirements could slow judicial appointments and create political gridlock during divided government

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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